Local News

Suspect Pleads Guilty In Death Of UNC Sports Reporter

Posted Updated

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — A suspect involved in a hit-and-run accident that killed a University of North Carolina broadcaster pleaded guilty Tuesday while another suspect will appear in court later in the year.

Emily Caveness and Rabah Samara are accused in the death of Stephen Gates, a sideline reporter for the Tar Heel Sports Network. Police say he was changing a flat tire in Hillsborough when he was hit.

Police believe Caveness was behind the wheel, then later switched seats with Samara.

Caveness pleaded guilty to failing to report an accident. That charge carries a maximum sentence of 60 days.

Samara did not accept a plea deal offered by the district attorney. His trial is set for Nov. 9.

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.